News Release: Five years on from Lockdown - Remit Consulting’s research reveals UK office occupancy hits highest level since pandemic began
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Average weekly office occupancy rates reach 37.8% as companies ramp up return-to-office mandates
Five years after the first national lockdown forced millions of employees into remote work, average office occupancy across the UK has reached its highest point since the beginning of the pandemic, according to new figures from Remit Consulting, hitting an average of 37.8% during the week ending 21 March 2025.
Remit Consulting’s latest data indicates a steady recovery in office usage, with occupancy rates now exceeding the previous post-pandemic peak recorded last month.
While a weekly average of 37.8% may appear modest, it is important to note that offices were rarely at full capacity even before the pandemic. Factors such as annual leave, external meetings, and flexible working patterns meant that typical occupancy levels often peaked at around 60–80%, according to industry sources. Research from the British Council for Offices (BCO) has previously suggested 60% as a realistic benchmark, with other commentators citing 70–80% during the busiest periods, varying between sectors, buildings and locations.
London followed the national trend last week, reporting an average occupancy of 37%, with notable differences across submarkets. The West End remains the standout performer, reaching occupancy rates above 60% in recent weeks, highlighting a strong return of workers in this key commercial district.
The upward trend coincides with increased efforts by major corporations, including Vodafone and UBS, to enforce stricter return-to-office policies. These mandates are reshaping workplace norms, drawing more workers back to physical offices but raising concerns about impacts on disabled employees and overall worker preferences for hybrid working models.
Lorna Landells from Remit Consulting commented: "The sustained gap between current office occupancy and pre-pandemic levels signals that hybrid and flexible working arrangements have become entrenched and are unlikely to revert to pre-2020 norms fully.
“Businesses are rethinking the role of physical office space, increasingly viewing offices primarily as collaboration and culture-building hubs rather than daily work locations. This shift continues to reshape commercial real estate markets, prompting many organisations to reconsider their long-term property requirements and potentially transforming city centres significantly.
"While the current trajectory suggests that some employers and workplaces are increasingly successful in bringing employees back to office environments, the 'new normal' clearly remains a moveable feast for many businesses," added Landells.
Transport data* complements Remit Consulting’s findings, although usage remains below pre-pandemic levels, with rail journeys still 10% down and London tube and bus usage around 20% lower.
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* ONS Daily domestic transport use by mode (https://www.gov.uk/